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This breed has existed for a very long time. Its history goes back several millennia. Representatives of the Chinese nobility were very fond of Chow Chow. During the existence of the breed, a lot of legends and traditions associated with it appeared. Appearance in dogs is rather unusual. In addition, they have a strange character. Therefore, their owners had various thoughts and fantasies related to Chow Chow. People believed that the breed came from lions, bears or the polar wolf. Among the aristocrats there were many who wanted to have such a dog. And some poor people ate them, believing that dog meat can heal from diseases.
Many experiments were conducted on the breed, but many of the mysteries of the Chow Chow were never solved. Why, then, do these dogs have a blue tongue? For what reason are they so clean and calm?
History
Today it is impossible to track the pedigree of the breed, as it appeared a very long time ago. One of the Chinese rulers quarreled with scientists, and then destroyed almost all the books and records available in the country. Books about dog breeds and their origins have also been destroyed. The only thing that testifies to the existence of the breed at that time is a figurine of a dog similar to a representative of the breed made of clay.
Scientists, studying the history of the breed, suggested that the first representatives appeared in China during the invasion of the Tatar-Mongols. The barbarians used them for military purposes. The dog attacked the enemy and knocked him down. When a truce was concluded between the warring parties, the barbarians presented these four-legged warriors to the Chinese ruler. The emperor liked the present, and the Chinese aristocrats also really liked these dogs. After that, these dogs began to breed very actively in China. It was discovered that they are excellent hunters. It is known that the ruler from the Tang Dynasty had a kennel, which contained about 5 thousand dogs that looked like a Chow Chow. These dogs were very much appreciated. Among the upper classes, they were considered a valuable gift, which spoke of appreciation and a special attitude.
There is a legend associated with the Chow Chow, which says that at the time of the birth of the world, these sacred dogs existed. The gods allowed one of the dogs to lick the edge of the sky. So people explained why the Chow Chow language is blue. Interestingly, chow-chows with a pink tongue are born, and only then does it darken.
When the days of great wars and hunts passed, Chow Chows ceased to be privileged dogs. There were a lot of them, while the quality was getting worse. The rich no longer wanted to keep the breed secret. Chow Chow spread throughout the country. Now they could belong not only to the rich. Poor people often became their masters. But it was very difficult for a poor person to feed such a big dog. Therefore, they kept only the smallest dogs, and ate the rest.
Peasants in China used Chow Chow as labor. They had to learn a lot. They were good hunters, guarded huts and things. With their help they transported various cargoes, followed the sheep to the pasture.
When the Chow Chow fell into the hands of the poor, there was no one to care about the purity of the breed. People only tried to use the dogs as much as possible for their household purposes. If the dog was not smart enough to do the job, they simply ate it. This dish was considered a delicacy, as the Chinese were convinced that by using them, they are healed of diseases.
It was very difficult for poor people in China to feed themselves, so many of them kept special dog breeding farms intended for human consumption.Each year a holiday was held in which the Chinese ate their dogs' dishes. But for consumption, more crossbreeds were bred. Sometimes purebred dogs also served for this. Of these, they not only prepared food, but also used their good fur. So that he possessed good characteristics, dogs were fed vegetarian food.
Despite all the difficulties that the breed experienced, they were still considered valuable. The meat and skin of purebred representatives could be expensively sold. If there was a wedding in a Chinese village, then the newlyweds were given a gift - 6 pairs of chow-chow.
origin of name
There is a lot of debate about this, as there are a lot of versions. It is believed that the name came from the Chinese word "chow-chow." Translated, it means "delicious." Also, some people think that the name came from the fact that the Europeans distorted the word “ciao-ciao”, which can be translated as “hunting dog”. But there is another version that many researchers have recognized. The fact is that the first representatives of the breed were transported on merchant ships. They had merchandise facilities called chow-chow. Interestingly, the name sounds different in Chinese.
Delicacies
At the end of the 19th century, there were a lot of restaurants serving dog dishes. In 1915, a ban was established on this. These delicacies cannot be bought and sold. But they do not always comply with this law.
Chinese temples
The breed exists today due to the fact that Buddhist monks were engaged in it. For many centuries in Tibet and northern China, Chow Chows were bred. Dog breeders kept records of pedigrees. They did not eat dogs for food, because they were afraid of the wrath of the gods.
These dogs were considered sacred. They were used as guards for temples, as well as for hunting. Due to the fact that the dogs spent a lot of time in the darkness of the temple, the sun did not affect the coat. Therefore, the color has been preserved. To keep the stock updated, the monks exchanged dogs.
One man who came from England to China on business described his meeting with a dog guarding the temple. It was in the middle of the 20th century. Foreigners had good relations with the monks, so they were allowed to visit their territory. The expedition drove past the temple by car. As soon as the gates were open, dogs of a beautiful color ran up to the car. They barked and growled at strangers. The appearance of the dogs was very surprising for the British.
From Tibet to Europe
But in Europe, they learned about this breed earlier. A famous traveler from Italy named Marco Polo lived in Tibet for some time. So he repeatedly encountered the predecessors of the breed. It was back in the 13th century. The traveler was surprised by the nature of the dogs and their hunting abilities. He described one interesting and story about how one of the dogs was sold to Nepal. The dog got used to its new owner and atmosphere only two months later.
Another mention of the Chow Chow occurred in 1780. Two representatives of the breed were brought to London. They became the inhabitants of the city zoo, where the dogs were shown as wild, which are found in China.
The breed became better known to Europeans after 1865. This happened when Queen Victoria was given a present. It was a Chow Chow from Tibet. The Queen really liked the puppy, he looked like a teddy bear. She did not begin to settle him in the nursery, but kept it at home.
After this incident, China began to actively import Chow Chow. In 1882, they participated in the exhibition. They were introduced as foreign dogs. Since 1887, British dog breeders have been actively involved in the breed. And after 8 years, the breed standard was determined.
The dog breeders did a massive job, making the Chow Chow look like their wild ancestors. They had the former nobility and lion's appearance. For all the time the breed has undergone many tests. Chow Chow were valuable friends of the Chinese aristocracy, and slaves for the poor, and Tibetan hermits.But in the hands of the English breeders, they became restrained English lords and good friends to their masters.
After the Chow Chows became known in England, they appeared in America, and then in Germany and other European countries. Not everyone can buy a puppy, as they are still very expensive.
Appearance
Males weigh 25-32 kg, and females weigh 5 kg less on average. Height - 46-56 cm. Color can be different. Black, red, blue, cream. There are representatives with long and short hair.
Dogs are medium in size. Their skull is flat. Males have a larger size and weight. Chow Chow has a large black nose. If the dog is light, then the nose may be light. The tongue should be blue-black. If it is just black or has a dark blue tint - this is a big drawback. Their lips and gums are black. The jaw is powerful, the muzzle is wide, medium in length. The eyes are oval, in size - medium. The ears are small and thick, set at a distance from each other. They have rounded tips. Due to the fact that the ears are tilted forward, the Chow Chows look gloomy.
Dogs have a powerful neck, short back. The chest is also wide and powerful. The tail is set high. In long-haired Chow Chows, the hair is straight and long. There is a mane. The back on the hips is also elongated.
Care
This dog, although it has a thick coat, but it does not fall off and cleans by itself. Therefore, the dog can live in the apartment and on the street. You can bathe them only sometimes. Every week the chow-chow is combed out with a rare comb. After a walk you need to wash your paws. When bathing, shampoo can be applied several times. The dog must shake first. After that, her hair can be combed and dried. Chow Chow should walk for several hours a day. The dog should get used to the collar since childhood.
It is necessary to monitor the condition of the dog, as you may not notice the disease by its behavior.
Fact! Even small Chow Chow puppies are clean. They are shy, so they like to go to the toilet alone. Even in adulthood, they retain this feature.
They really do not like dirt and rain. In such weather, they will not want to go for a walk, they do not like wet grass and puddles.
Nutrition
For Chow Chow you need to choose the feed of one type. It should be either just store food or homemade food. You do not need to mix them. From this the dog can get sick. In any case, choose high quality food.
Training
Modern Chow Chows are considered decorative favorites. But the past makes itself felt. They are independent, devoted to only one person. Character differs phlegm and estrangement. They like to sleep and take a walk. But even during games they do not make sounds. Barking Chow can be heard rarely.
They rarely show feelings, but sometimes a rebel wakes up in them. If the Chow Chow is offended by the owner, he may refuse food and entertainment.
Scientists are convinced that this breed is difficult to train. This is due to the stubborn nature of the breed. They do not want to repeat the same actions that are required of them. Because of this, chow-chow training is carried out according to specially developed programs. Only very patient trainers can succeed.
But, when the owner is in danger, the Chow Chow forgets about his whims. In Moscow, once there was a case when a Chow Chow dog rescued its mistress after an explosion caused by a gas leak. The woman was walking with a dog, who suddenly refused to follow the road that they always chose to walk. A few minutes later the wall of the house fell on this path.
In a Russian village, a woman went to the forest to pick up mushrooms. When she was about to go home, a dog appeared, who seemed to be calling her for herself. It was a chow chow. A woman followed her. When she reached the road, she found a man who was crushed by a cart.The woman pushed her away and the man survived.
Dog breeders say that Chow Chows have special wisdom that not everyone can comprehend.
Price
The cheapest dogs cost about 3-5 thousand rubles. But they will not have documents. If you want to buy a dog for breeding, then it will cost more - 12-20 thousand.
Video: Chow Chow dog breed
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